Traditionally transport planning and policymaking has used quantitative surveys to
predict future demand for public transport. However, this paper argues that a more
participatory approach is required in order to better understand household activity
patterns and the impacts and implications of travel on livelihoods. Such an
understanding will enable transport planning and policy to support the needs of lowincome
people and achieve broader poverty alleviation objectives.
This paper draws on case studies undertaken in Harare (Zimbabwe), Accra (Ghana)
and Colombo (Sri-Lanka) as part of a broader study carried out for the DFID
Knowledge and Research Programme. The authors look at the impact of public
transport on certain dimensions of poverty, consider the links between urban transport
and other sectors (health, education and employment) and summarise key methods of
enquiry that might be adopted in effecting a more participatory approach to transport
planning.